March 2026 Furniture Bank Newsletter
From the President
An Hour Lost. A Bed Gained.
As we turn the clocks forward each March and welcome longer days and the promise of spring, we are reminded of how powerful one simple hour of sleep can be. Daylight Saving Time often disrupts our routines. Parents feel it. Children feel it. We groggily adjust bedtimes, reset alarms, and promise ourselves we’ll get to bed a little earlier. March is also recognized as Sleep Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the critical role sleep plays in our physical health, emotional well-being, academic success, and overall quality of life.
For most of us, better sleep is about habits: less screen time, earlier bedtimes, cooler rooms, and consistent routines.
But for too many children in our community, better sleep isn’t about routine, it’s about access. In Metro Detroit alone, an estimated 20,000 children do not have a bed of their own. They may be sleeping on couches, sharing overcrowded mattresses, or resting on the floor. When the clocks change and we talk about losing an hour of sleep, these children are living every night without the comfort, security, and dignity of a bed to call their own.
Research consistently shows that children who get consistent, quality sleep perform better in school, have stronger immune systems, and experience fewer behavioral challenges. Sleep supports brain development, emotional regulation, and physical growth. A bed is not a luxury, it is foundational.
At the Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit, we see this impact every day. Each year we provide more than 1,500 mattresses to local families. That means 1,500 children, parents, and caregivers now have a safe and comfortable place to rest.
Next month, that impact will grow even more.
As we observe the time change and recognize Sleep Awareness Month, it is an opportunity to reflect on what rest truly means. An hour of sleep may feel small, but a bed of one’s own can change a child’s life.
So, as you reset your clocks this March, we invite you to consider this: If one hour of sleep can make a difference, imagine what a bed of their own can do.
Diane Charles,
President & CEO
Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit Welcomes
Two Inspiring Leaders to Its Board of Directors
The Furniture Bank of Metro Detroit is proud to welcome two exceptional leaders to our Board of Directors: Grace Gilchrist and Jessica Bahr. Their combined expertise in corporate leadership, governance, media, and community engagement will further strengthen our mission to provide beds and essential furniture to families across Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.
Grace Gilchrist is a highly respected leader and familiar face throughout Southeast Michigan. She served as Vice President and General Manager of WXYZ-TV for 13 years, making her one of the longest-serving general managers in the station’s history. During her tenure, she led one of Detroit’s most trusted media organizations with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to public service.
Jessica Bahr serves as Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Constellation Brands, where she leads a team that partners with business leaders to support responsible growth, strong governance, and sound decision-making. With more than 15 years of experience advising complex organizations, Jessica is a trusted and strategic leader known for her thoughtful counsel and collaborative approach.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jessica is a dedicated volunteer and experienced board member. She most recently served as Treasurer for Dress for Success Chicago, where she helped advance economic empowerment initiatives for women. Her passion for service and strong financial oversight will be a tremendous asset as we continue expanding our reach and impact.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Grace and Jessica to the Furniture Bank family. Their leadership, experience, and shared commitment to service will help guide us into an exciting new chapter of impact in our community.
Housewarming Party
The 3rd Annual Homecoming Party with Gorman’s Fine Furnishings was more than a celebration, it was a powerful reminder of what partnership and generosity can accomplish.
During the month of February, Gorman’s Fine Furnishings stepped up in an extraordinary way. They collected furniture free of charge and then donated nearly 83 pieces of beautiful, high-quality furniture, enough to completely furnish eight homes for local families transitioning out of crisis. An estimated value of more than $4,000.00.
This gift could not have come at a more critical time.
February is historically one of our slowest months for donations. Add to that one of the most brutal winters in recent memory, and the need surged dramatically. At one point, 150 families were waiting for the essential furnishings that transform an empty space into a safe, comfortable home.
Because of Gorman’s team and because of you eight of those families are no longer waiting.
10 mothers now have kitchen tables where homework can be done.
10 families have couches where they can gather.
10 homes are no longer empty.
In the coldest, most challenging stretch of the year, you helped turn empty houses into homes. That is what community looks like. And that is something worth celebrating.
Spring is one of our busiest seasons. As more families move into housing, our team is in full swing delivering beds, couches, dressers, and kitchen essentials across the city. This year, we’re on track to distribute more than 30,000 pieces of furniture and household items.
To keep those delivery trucks moving, we need a steady flow of donations.
If you believe in this work, will you help us expand our impact?
Know someone who is moving, downsizing, renovating, or spring cleaning? Let them know their gently used furniture can make a direct impact for families rebuilding their lives.
Every referral you send our way keeps a delivery truck moving.
Ways to Donate:
